Secret handshake explained

For other uses see Secret handshake (disambiguation).

A secret handshake is a distinct form of handshake or greeting which indicates membership in or loyalty to a club, clique or subculture. The typical secret handshake involves placing one's fingers or thumbs in a particular position, one that will be recognized by fellow members while seeming to be a normal handshake to non-members.^[1] This is most frequently associated in the popular consciousness with college fraternities, fraternal orders and secret societies.

Examples

In the Roman mystery religion Mithraism, members were initiated with a handshake, and members were known as syndexioi (united by the handshake).^[2]

Freemasons are among the long-standing users of secret handshakes, known as "grips".^[3]

Mormonism also uses secret handshakes, modeled on the handshakes used in Freemasonry.^[4]

Secret handshakes are also used by college fraternities in the United States, and used by members as recognition symbols in later life.^[5]

See also

• Collegiate secret societies in North America
• Gesture
• Kushta
• Shibboleth

Notes and References

1. Book: Duncan, Malcolm C. . Duncan's Masonic ritual and monitor: or, Guide to the three symbolic degrees of the ancient York rite, and to the degrees of mark master, past master, most excellent master, and the royal arch . 2005 . Sweetwater Press . 978-1-58173-530-7 . 3rd ed. with additions and corrections . Florida.
2. M. Clauss, The Roman cult of Mithras, p. 42: "That the hand-shaken might make their vows joyfully forever"
3. Web site: Buck . Kate . 2018-02-08 . Do Freemasons really have a secret handshake? . 2024-10-14 . Metro . en.
4. Web site: Temple Ceremony / Masonry . 2024-10-14 . Mormon Stories . en-US.
5. Web site: December 23, 2013 . Secret handshakes greet frat brothers as Wall Street women trail . 2024-10-14 . Financial Post.